Student Carolien Coon interviewed by BBC Science Radio

Carolien Coon, a SEAHA Phd student had first-hand experience of the benefits of disseminating research through the right channels and how this can lead to further opportunity to reach a wider audience and possible further future collaborations. A short article she wrote on research conducted at UCL ISH as part of the Nanorestart project for the May “Focus on Nanotechnology” supplement of Physics World was picked up by Rob Thompson, a nanotechnologist and reporter for BBC Science Radio. This led to Carolien and Dr Katherine Curran, UCL Institute of Sustainable Heritage, being approached for an interview to discuss their research on BBC Radio. The programmes focused on the role of nanotechnologies in the conservation of modern artwork and also featured Bronwyn Ormsby, Conservation Scientist at the Tate as well as the artist Tom Lomax, with whom UCL ISH are fortunate enough to have continued collaboration with in their research on the conservation of Rapid Prototypes. The programme was aired on both the BBC World Review Science in Action programme and the Radio 4 Inside Science programme . This in turn led to the programme being heard by an artist collective who has been in-touch regarding possible collaborations.

Reflecting on her interview, Carolien said: “Nerve wrecking as this was, it was a wonderful and valuable experience gained in dealing with the media and how this can impact on your research and the audience. Exciting times ahead and I am very much looking forward to possible SEAHA collaborations with artists in the near future – so watch this space!”

Links

• Carolien Coon student profile
• UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage
• BBC World Review Science in Action programme
• Radio 4 Inside Science programme

Header image: 'Of Diamonds and Pearls' 3D polychromatic sculpture by Tom Lomax